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A Note on the Reproducibility of Chaos Simulation
Thalita E Nazaré1, Erivelton G Nepomuceno1, Samir A M Martins1
1Control and Modelling Group (GCOM), Department of Electrical Engineering, Federal University of São João del-Rei, São João del-Rei, MG 36307-352, Brazil.
Entropy (Basel, Switzerland)
|December 8, 2020
Summary
Reproducibility of chaotic system simulations is challenged by computer precision. This study highlights LTspice simulation variability across different computers, impacting scientific reproducibility.
Area of Science:
- Complex Systems and Chaos Theory
- Computational Physics and Engineering
- Scientific Computing and Reproducibility
Background:
- Reproducibility is crucial for scientific integrity, yet often overlooked in chaotic system simulations.
- Finite precision of computational hardware can significantly impact the reliability of numerical simulations.
- Lack of shared code and detailed methodologies hinders the verification of simulation results in many studies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the reproducibility of chaotic system simulations using LTspice across different computing environments.
- To assess the impact of finite computer precision on the accuracy and reliability of chaotic circuit simulations.
- To develop and apply a methodology for evaluating simulation performance and comparing it with experimental data.
Main Methods:
- A case study involving the numerical simulation of a chaotic jerk circuit using LTspice software.
- Testing simulation reproducibility on four different computers using LTspice XVII.
- Comparison of simulation results with experimental data using normalized root mean square error (NRMSE) and signal entropy analysis.
- Utilizing the Open Science Framework (OSF) platform for project sharing and ensuring transparency.
Main Results:
- LTspice simulations exhibited variability across different computers, indicating challenges in achieving consistent reproducibility.
- The normalized root mean square error (NRMSE) analysis identified variations in prediction horizons among the tested computers.
- Entropy calculations revealed differences between simulated signals and experimental data, further highlighting reproducibility issues.
Conclusions:
- Finite computer precision poses a significant challenge to the reproducibility of chaotic system simulations, even with established software like LTspice.
- The developed methodology effectively quantifies simulation performance and aids in identifying computers with superior prediction capabilities.
- The study underscores the importance of rigorous reproducibility checks and transparent sharing of methodologies and data in computational science.
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